COLOMBO: A relic of Sri Lanka’s railway heritage is being transformed into a novel retreat for travellers, as the Railway Department prepares to open a unique “mini-hotel” fashioned from a 1960s German locomotive and vintage railway carriages at Nanu Oya. The project, highlighted in a recent report by the Sunday Times, aims to boost tourism and generate revenue by offering an unconventional holiday experience amidst the island’s picturesque landscapes.
The initiative, branded as “Odyssey Camper”, promises guests both comfort and nostalgia. With its vantage point overlooking the Nanu Oya waterfalls, the converted train hotel is set to attract both local and international visitors seeking a distinctive getaway, the newspaper quoted Railway General Manager Dhammika Jayasundara as saying. “Odyssey Camper” is situated on unused tracks and comprises a decommissioned hydraulic locomotive, two Indian-built railway carriages, and a locally manufactured steel carriage. The centrepiece, a W1 engine imported from Germany in 1969—celebrated as the first diesel-hydraulic locomotive to operate on Sri Lankan rails—will remain permanently stationed in a scenic spot near Nanu Oya.
Within this historic engine, guests will find a carriage fitted with modern amenities such as a king-size bed, a heater, and a bathroom equipped with hot water, ensuring comfort amid the hill country’s cool climate. Breakfast will be served at the nearby Nanu Oya train bungalow, while an adjacent outdoor cabin is being readied for relaxation, complete with garden chairs soon to be installed.
The train restaurant, designed as an ideal spot to unwind while taking in sweeping mountain views, will offer rooms at Rs 9,500 per night. This innovative approach to hospitality reflects the Railway Department’s commitment to revitalising rail assets and enticing a new generation of travellers. The Railway General Superintendent said that he believed that this train hotel, launched to promote tourism, could be successfully maintained and, could be adopted in other areas.
Behind the project’s realisation is a dedicated team led by Railway Superintendent Engineer (Projects and Development), G.A. Krishantha. He credits the concept to Janaka Weerasinghe, the former Nanu Oya station master, formulated under the guidance of Railway General Manager Dhammika Jayasundara, who was later replaced. Although progress slowed after his departure, the return of Mr Jayasundara provided the impetus to see the vision through. “With the reappointment of Mr Jayasundara, it became possible to carry out this project more systematically, effectively and efficiently,” Mr Krishantha explained. The transformation was carried out by a workforce led by H.J.R. Fonseka, Superintendent of Ratmalana (Factory No. 26).
As the Odyssey Camper prepares to welcome its first guests, railway officials are optimistic that this venture could pave the way for similar projects elsewhere, blending Sri Lanka’s railway legacy with innovative tourism experiences.
